U.S. patent application number 12/163450 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-01 for mobile terminal device and network connection control method.
This patent application is currently assigned to OLYMPUS CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Takahisa ENDO, Kiyoshi TOYODA.
Application Number | 20090002547 12/163450 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40159929 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090002547 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ENDO; Takahisa ; et
al. |
January 1, 2009 |
MOBILE TERMINAL DEVICE AND NETWORK CONNECTION CONTROL METHOD
Abstract
A mobile terminal device configured to build in a battery and
connect to a network, includes a wireless communication interface
configured to connect to the network through wireless
communication, and a wired communication interface configured to
connect to the network directly or indirectly through wired
communication. The device further includes a wired connection
detection unit configured to detect whether or not a wired line,
which is connected directly or indirectly to the network, is
connected to the wired communication interface, and a control unit
configured to make the wireless communication interface available
when the wired connection detection unit has detected the
connection of the wired line.
Inventors: |
ENDO; Takahisa;
(Tachikawa-shi, JP) ; TOYODA; Kiyoshi;
(Hachioji-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WESTERMAN, HATTORI, DANIELS & ADRIAN, LLP
1250 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, NW, SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
OLYMPUS CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
40159929 |
Appl. No.: |
12/163450 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/372 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 9/8205 20130101;
H04N 2201/0049 20130101; H04N 1/00222 20130101; H04N 2101/00
20130101; H04N 5/765 20130101; H04N 5/772 20130101; H04N 5/907
20130101; H04N 2201/214 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/372 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/225 20060101
H04N005/225 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 28, 2007 |
JP |
2007-170834 |
Claims
1. A mobile terminal device configured to build in a battery and
connect to a network, comprising: a wireless communication
interface configured to connect to the network through wireless
communication; a wired communication interface configured to
connect to the network one of directly and indirectly through wired
communication; a wired connection detection unit configured to
detect whether or not a wired line, which is connected one of
directly and indirectly to the network, is connected to the wired
communication interface; and a control unit configured to make the
wireless communication interface available when the wired
connection detection unit has detected the connection of the wired
line.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless
communication interface is supplied power from the wired
communication line through the wired communication interface when
the wireless communication interface is made available.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit makes
the wireless communication interface available regardless whether
the wired line connected to the wired communication interface is
communicable or not.
4. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a power
on/off switch configured to be operated by an operator and turn
on/off a power source to be supplied to units including the
wireless communication interface, wherein the control unit makes
the wireless communication interface available regardless a state
of the power on/off switch.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit makes
the wireless communication interface available during the wired
connection detection unit detects the connection of the wired
line.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit
releases the setting of the state in which the wireless
communication interface is available when the wired connection
detection unit detects disconnection of the connection of the wired
line.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit
releases the setting of the state in which the wireless
communication interface is available when communication with the
network through the wireless communication interface is not
established within a prescribed time period.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the wired connection
detection unit outputs a signal on the basis of a result from which
a voltage to be applied to the wired communication interface has
been detected.
9. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: an image
acquisition unit configured to acquire an image of a subject; a
storage unit configured to store data of the image of the subject
acquired by the image acquisition unit; and an access restriction
unit configured to restrict access from a side of the network to
the data of the image stored in the storage unit through one of an
available wireless communication interface and an available wired
communication interface.
10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the access restriction
unit restricts access from a side of the network only to a part of
data to be stored in the storage unit including the data of the
image acquired by the image acquisition unit when the storage unit
stores data other than the data of the image acquired by the image
acquisition unit.
11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the access
restriction unit restricts access from a side of the network only
to the data of the image acquired by the image acquisition
unit.
12. The device according to claim 9, wherein the power is supplied
only to a apart of the mobile terminal device including at least
the storage unit and the access restriction unit when the wireless
communication interface is made available.
13. A network connection control method of a mobile terminal device
which builds in a battery, includes a wireless communication
interface configured to connect to a network through wireless
communication and a wired communication interface configured to
connect to the network one of directly and indirectly through wired
communication, comprising: detecting whether or not a wired line,
which is connected one of directly and indirectly to the network,
is connected to the wired communication interface; and making the
wireless communication interface available when the connection of
the wired line is detected.
14. A mobile terminal device configured to build in a battery and
connect to a network, comprising: wireless communication interface
means for connecting to the network through wireless communication;
wired communication interface means for connecting to the network
one of directly and indirectly through wired communication; wired
connection detection means for detecting whether or not a wired
line, which is connected one of directly and indirectly to the
network, is connected to the wired communication interface means;
and control means for making the wireless communication interface
means available when the wired connection detection means has
detected the connection of the wired line.
15. A network connection control method of a mobile terminal device
which builds in a battery, includes wireless communication
interface means for connecting to a network through wireless
communication and wired communication interface means for
connecting to the network one of directly and indirectly through
wired communication, comprising: a step of detecting whether or not
a wired line, which is connected one of directly and indirectly to
the network, is connected to the wired communication interface
means; and a step of making the wireless communication interface
means available when the connection of the wired line is detected.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-170834,
filed Jun. 28, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a mobile terminal device
configured to be connected to a network, and relates to a control
method for connecting such a terminal device to the network.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In recent years, a mobile terminal device such as an
electronic still camera (hereinafter referred to as a digital
camera) with a wireless communication interface to be wirelessly
connected to a network such as LAN, etc., mounted thereon has
become widely used.
[0006] The digital camera with a wireless communication interface
mounted thereon may operate the interface to connect the camera
itself to a home (household electrical appliance) network. At this
time, an external device such as a television receiver to be
connected to the network becomes able to view image data stored in
the digital camera. With the wireless communication interface of
the digital camera always operated, a television receiver side may
view image data acquired with the digital camera without operating
the digital camera. In this way, always operating the wireless
communication interface of the digital camera enables improving its
convenience. The digital camera is usually driven by a battery.
Therefore, always operating the wireless communication interface of
the digital camera poses a problem that the life of the digital
camera is shortened.
[0007] Then, a configuration which starts/stops the operation of
the wireless communication interface of the digital camera in
response to a manual operation by a user so as to turn on/off a
power switch of a camera or switchover a network connection
switchover means has been disclosed in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI
Publication No. 2003-60959.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a mobile terminal device configured to build in a
battery and connect to a network, comprising:
[0009] a wireless communication interface configured to connect to
the network through wireless communication;
[0010] a wired communication interface configured to connect to the
network one of directly and indirectly through wired
communication;
[0011] a wired connection detection unit configured to detect
whether or not a wired line, which is connected one of directly and
indirectly to the network, is connected to the wired communication
interface; and
[0012] a control unit configured to make the wireless communication
interface available when the wired connection detection unit has
detected the connection of the wired line.
[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a network connection control method of a mobile
terminal device which builds in a battery, includes a wireless
communication interface configured to connect to a network through
wireless communication and a wired communication interface
configured to connect to the network one of directly and indirectly
through wired communication, comprising:
[0014] detecting whether or not a wired line, which is connected
one of directly and indirectly to the network, is connected to the
wired communication interface; and
[0015] making the wireless communication interface available when
the connection of the wired line is detected.
[0016] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a mobile terminal device configured to build in a
battery and connect to a network, comprising:
[0017] wireless communication interface means for connecting to the
network through wireless communication;
[0018] wired communication interface means for connecting to the
network one of directly and indirectly through wired
communication;
[0019] wired connection detection means for detecting whether or
not a wired line, which is connected one of directly and indirectly
to the network, is connected to the wired communication interface
means; and
[0020] control means for making the wireless communication
interface means available when the wired connection detection means
has detected the connection of the wired line.
[0021] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a network connection control method of a mobile
terminal device which builds in a battery, includes wireless
communication interface means for connecting to a network through
wireless communication and wired communication interface means for
connecting to the network one of directly and indirectly through
wired communication, comprising:
[0022] a step of detecting whether or not a wired line, which is
connected one of directly and indirectly to the network, is
connected to the wired communication interface means; and
[0023] a step of making the wireless communication interface means
available when the connection of the wired line is detected.
[0024] Advantages of the invention will be set forth in the
description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the
description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
Advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means
of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out
hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention, and together with the general description given
above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 1A is an outer appearance view viewed from the front
face that is a subject side of a digital camera as a first
embodiment of a mobile terminal device regarding the invention;
[0027] FIG. 1B is an outer appearance view viewed from a rear face
that is an operation side of a user of the digital camera;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting an electrical
configuration of the digital camera;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a wireless communication routine to
be performed at prescribed timing in the digital camera;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a network connection start
subroutine of FIG. 3;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a network response subroutine of
FIG. 3;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a file list creation subroutine in
a digital camera as a second embodiment of the mobile terminal
device regarding the invention;
[0033] FIG. 7A is a view depicting a file storage configuration of
an image data storage unit of the second embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 7B is a view depicting an example of a file list for
opening to public on a network of the second embodiment; and
[0035] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a file list update subroutine of
the second embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Hereinafter, an optimum form in order to embody the present
invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, on the right hand side of a
user, a release button 12 for instructing image acquisition is
provided on a top face of a digital camera 10 as the first
embodiment of a mobile terminal device regarding the invention. A
power switch 14 for turning on/off a power source of the digital
camera 10 is provided at the next to the release button 12.
[0038] A flash lump 16 and a lens 18 for taking in image acquiring
light in image acquisition are disposed on the front face of the
digital camera 10.
[0039] A wired connection connector 20 for connecting a wire for
wired communication and an external power source connector 22 for
connecting a wire for external power source supply are disposed on
a side face of the digital camera 10. However, in a case of a
configuration in which power is supplied by a non-contact power
transmission using electromagnetic induction, the external power
source connector 22 is not disposed. Positions of the connectors
20, 22 are not limited to the side face; they may be disposed on
other side faces, the positions may be on the rear face or the
lower face of the digital camera 10. Further, the connectors 20, 22
may be uncovered or have lids.
[0040] A color liquid crystal display device 24 for displaying a
subject image to be acquired, images and menu items, messages,
etc., recorded in the digital camera 10 in a reproduction mode are
disposed on the rear face of the digital camera 10. The rear face
of the digital camera 10 is provided with a cross-shape cursor
button 26 for instructing selection of the menu items or a change
in operation state when the display device 24 displays menu items
for setting various operation conditions of the digital camera 10.
Further, the rear side has a menu button 28 for calling menu items
for setting the various operation conditions of the digital camera
10. Other than this, the rear side includes a decision button for
instructing items which have been selected from the menu items, and
other buttons for instructing the operation state of the digital
camera 10.
[0041] Although it is not shown, a mechanism for mounting a memory
card to store the image data acquired with the digital camera 10
and a battery is provided for on the lower face of the digital
camera 10.
[0042] As an electrical configuration of the digital camera 10, as
shown in FIG. 2, the camera 10 includes a control unit 30, a ROM
32, RAM 34, an image acquisition unit 36, a wireless communication
circuit unit 38, an antenna 40, an operation unit 42, a display
unit 44, and an image data storage unit 46. Each of those units is
mutually connected as shown in FIG. 2. The digital camera 10 has a
power source circuit unit 48 to supply power to each of the units.
Further, the digital camera 10 includes a power supply state
detection unit 50, an external power source supply unit 52, a wired
communication circuit unit 54, a wired connection detection unit 56
and the foregoing wired connection connector 20.
[0043] The control unit 30 is a control unit for applying sequence
control to the digital camera 10 and operates in accordance with a
program stored on the ROM 32.
[0044] The ROM 32 is a nonvolatile memory such as a flash ROM, and
program data for controlling the digital camera 10, various items
of setting information, and a file list for opening to public on
the network (virtual directory) given later are stored on the ROM
32.
[0045] The RAM 34 functions as a temporal buffering for digital
image data to be output from the image acquisition unit 36, as a
work area to be used for computing by the control unit 30, and as
an area for temporarily storing every kind of setting, etc.
[0046] The image acquisition unit 36 includes the lens 18 for
focusing incident light, a photoelectric converter (CCD, CMOS
sensor, etc.) for converting focused light into an electric signal,
and an analog-digital converter (an AD converter) for converting an
analog electric signal output from the photoelectric converter into
a digital electric signal.
[0047] The wireless communication circuit unit 38 is a wireless
interface composed of a high-frequency circuit unit, an
encoding/decoding circuit unit, a buffer memory in wireless
communication, etc., which are necessary for the wireless
communication. An antenna 40 is connected to the circuit unit
38.
[0048] The operation unit 42 includes buttons and switches, for
example, the release button 12, the cursor button 26, the menu
button 28, etc., and outputs states of the buttons and switches and
changes in the states as electric signals.
[0049] The display unit 44 is composed of the color liquid crystal
display device 24 and its control circuit.
[0050] The image data storage unit 46 is a storage device for
storing acquired digital image data therein. The storage unit 46
may be configured to have a nonvolatile memory such as a built-in
flash ROM, or may be configured to have a memory card, etc.,
detachable from a main unit of the digital camera 10, and either
configuration can be used.
[0051] The power supply state detection unit 50 is a connection
detection unit to detect that the power supply from the external
power source becomes able. The detection method comprises reporting
a result of detection of a voltage applied to the external power
source supply unit 52 to the control unit 30, or detecting the
supply of the power becomes possible by a sensor using light, a
magnetic field or an electric field, and either configuration can
be used.
[0052] The external power source supply unit 52 may be configured
to directly supply power through the contact connection by means of
the external power source connector 22, or may be configured to
supply power through the non-contact power transmission using the
electromagnetic induction, and either configuration can be
used.
[0053] The wired communication circuit unit 54 is a wired
communication interface which is connected with a wire through the
connector 20 and communicates with an external device. The circuit
unit 54 may directly connect to the network through an Ethernet
(registered trademark) cable, or may indirectly connect to the
network via a PC connected through a USB cable.
[0054] The wired connection detection unit 56 detects the
connection of the cable (Ethernet cable or USB cable) to the wire
connection connector 20. The detection unit 56 may have a
configuration in which a mechanical switch is turned on by the
connection of the cable to the connector 20, or may have a
configuration in which a connection of a cable is sensed by a
sensor using light, a magnetic field or an electric field, and
either configuration may be used. Supply of power through the USB
cable at the same time of communication is a possible approach. To
cope with such a case, the detection unit 56 has a function to
detect a voltage of a signal input from the cable connected to the
connector 20 and to report a wired connection to the control unit
30.
[0055] The wire connection connector 20 holds the cable in wired
connection and also transmits the signal from the cable to the
wired communication circuit unit 54. The connector 20 connects the
power to be supplied from the cable to the power source circuit
unit 48.
[0056] The power source circuit unit 48 includes a battery, DC-DC
converter and a battery check circuit, detects that the power
switch 14 has been turned on, and supplies power to each of the
aforementioned units. In a case in which the circuit unit 48 can be
supplied power from the external power source supply unit 52, and
in a case in which the circuit unit 48 can be supplied power in
wired connection, the circuit unit 48 also has a function to charge
the battery. Supplying the power supplied form the outside without
intervention of the battery at the same time of the battery charge
operation can be also used. Further, the circuit unit 48 has a
function of detecting the remaining capacity of the battery.
[0057] The digital camera 10 having such a configuration has a
function of transmitting the acquired digital image to other
electronic device through wired communication or wireless
communication.
[0058] The following will describe operations of the wireless
communication interface of the digital camera 10 configured in the
aforementioned manner.
[0059] A main routine of the digital camera 10 can separately
perform the wireless routine shown in FIG. 3 at prescribed
timing.
[0060] That is, in this routine, at first, the wired connection
detection unit 56 detects whether or not a wire is connected to the
wired connection connector 20 of the digital camera 10 (Step S10).
If the connection of the wire is detected, it is determined whether
or not the power switch 14 is on (Step S12). If the power switch 14
is not on, the control unit 30 starts the power source of each
functional unit including the wireless communication circuit unit
38 (Step S14). If the power switch 14 is turned on, the control
unit 30 starts the power source of the wireless communication
circuit unit 38 (Step S16). That is, the circuit unit 38 is
configured so as not to start its power source even when the power
switch 14 is turned on, and the power source does not start until
the wire is connected to the wire connection connector 20.
[0061] Meanwhile, in Step S10, if it is determined that the wire is
not connected to the connector 20, it is determined whether the
power switch 14 is turned on or not (Step S18). If the power switch
14 is not turned on, the wireless communication routine ends to
return to the main routine. Conversely, if the power switch 14 is
turned on, it is further determined whether or not the wireless
switch is turned on (Step S20). If the wireless switch is not
turned on, the wireless communication routine ends to return to the
main routine.
[0062] Conversely, if the wireless switch is turned on, the
communication routine proceeds to Step S16 to start the power
source of the wireless communication circuit unit 38. That is, the
circuit unit 38 is configured so as not to start its power source
even if the power switch 14 is turned on, and the power source
starts for the first time when the wireless switch is also turned
on. Thereby, the circuit unit 38 needs operation of two stages and
there is little possibility to be operated incorrectly.
[0063] The wireless switch means a switch which gives an
instruction to a device when an operator intends to arbitrarily
make the wireless communication turn on. The wireless switch may be
a switch composed of a GUI of the display unit 44 and the operation
unit 42, or may be a switch composed of a single button. In the
case of the latter, there is a low probability that something
inside a bag touches the digital camera 10 which is put in the bag
to turn on both the power switch 14 and the wireless switch.
Therefore, there is little possibility that the power source of the
wireless communication circuit unit 38 is started contrary to
user's expectation and the digital camera 10 is connected to the
network.
[0064] When the power is supplied to the wireless communication
circuit unit 38 in Step S14 or Step S16, next, the control unit 30
confirms whether the file list for opening to public on the network
has been created on the ROM 32 (Step S22). If the file list has not
been created, the file list is created (Step S24). The file list is
a list of files which have been stored in the image data storage
unit 46.
[0065] If it is determined that the file list for opening to public
on the network has been created in Step S22, or if the file list
has been created in Step S24, next, the control unit 30 calls a
network connection start subroutine to start the network connection
through the wireless communication circuit unit 38 (Step S26). The
detail of the network connection start subroutine will be described
later.
[0066] It is determined whether or not the connection to the
network has completed normally (Step S28). If the connection has
not completed normally, the control unit 30 ends this routine to
return to the main routine.
[0067] Conversely, if the connection to the network has completed
normally, it is determined whether or not access from the network
has been made (Step S30). If the access from the network has been
made, namely access from an external device such as a television
receiver connected to the network, the control unit 30 calls a
response to network subroutine to make a reply in response to
access content (Step S32). Then, this routine returns to Step S30.
The detail of the response to network subroutine will be described
later. In this way, for the request from the external device
connected to the network, the digital camera 10 responds as
required.
[0068] If it is determined that the access from the network is not
made in Step S30, the wired connection detection unit 56 detects
whether or not the wire is connected to the wired connection
connector 20 of the digital camera 10 (Step S34). If the connection
of the wire is not detected, the control unit 30 returns to Step
S30.
[0069] Conversely, if it is determined that the wire is not
connected to the connector 20, the routine determines whether the
power switch 14 is turned on or not (Step S36). If the power switch
14 is not turned on, the power of each function including the
wireless communication circuit unit 38 are shut off (Step S38).
Then, the control unit 30 ends to return to the main routine.
[0070] Meanwhile, if the power switch 14 is turned on, further, the
routine determines whether the wireless switch is turned on or not
(Step S40). If the wireless switch is not turned on, the control
unit 30 shuts off the power of the wireless communication circuit
unit 38 (Step S42). The routine ends to return to the main
routine.
[0071] If the wireless switch is turned on, since the wireless
connection has been made by user operation, the control unit 30
returns to Step S30.
[0072] The network connection start subroutine to be called in Step
S26, starts after clearing a network connection timer (not shown)
disposed in the control unit 30 as shown in FIG. 4 (Step S26A).
After this, the connection to the network by means of the wireless
communication circuit unit 38 is started (Step S26B). Then, it is
determined whether or not the communication with the network
through the circuit unit 38, namely it is confirmed whether or not
the network connection has been established (Step S26C). If the
network connection has been established, the control unit 30 ends
this network connection start subroutine to return to a host
routine.
[0073] Conversely, if the network connection has not been
established yet, it is determined whether or not the time to be
clocked with the network connection timer has passed a preset fixed
time period (Step S26D). If the fixed time period has not passed
yet, the wired connection detection unit 56 detects whether or not
the wire is connected to the connector 20 (Step S26E). If the wire
is connected, the subroutine returns to Step S26C.
[0074] Conversely, if it is detected that the wire is not
connected, namely it is detected the wire is removed, the control
unit 30 determines whether the power switch 14 is turned on or not
(Step S26F). If the power switch 14 is not turned on, the control
unit 30 shuts off the power of each functional unit including the
wireless communication circuit unit 38 (Step S26G). The control
unit 30 ends the network connection start subroutine to return to
the host routine.
[0075] Meanwhile, in the case of turning on of the power switch 14,
the control unit 30 further determines whether the wireless switch
is turned on or not (Step S26H). In the case of not turning on of
the wireless switch, the power of the wireless communication
circuit unit 38 is shut off (Step S26I). Then, the control unit 30
ends to return to the host routine. In the case of turning on of
the wireless switch, since the wireless switch has been turned on
by user operation, the control unit 30 returns to Step S26C.
[0076] In a case in which it is determined that the fixed time
period has passed in Step S26D, the control unit 30 determines
whether the power switch 14 is turned on or not (Step S26J). If the
power switch 14 is not turned on, the control unit 30 shuts off the
power of each functional unit including the wireless communication
circuit unit 38 (Step S26G). The control unit 30 ends this network
connection start subroutine to return to the host routine.
Conversely, if the power switch 14 is turned on, the control unit
30 shuts off the power of the circuit unit 38 (Step S26K). The
control unit 30 ends the subroutine to return to the host
routine.
[0077] In the response to network subroutine to be called in Step
S32, firstly, it is determined whether or not the access from the
network is a reference request for the file list for the opening to
the public on the network, as shown in FIG. 5 (Step S32A). If it is
determined so, the control unit 30 replies the file list created on
the ROM 32 to the network (Step 32B). The external device such as a
television receiver connected to the network comes to know the
files stored in the digital camera 10 from the replied file list,
and becomes able to make requests for reading, writing or deleting
the files.
[0078] If the access from the network is not the reference request
for the file list for the opening to the public on the network, it
is determined whether or not the access is a file read request for
requesting reading a specified file (Step S32C). If the access is
so, it is determined whether or not the specified file is in the
file list which has been created on the ROM 32 (Step S32D). If the
specified file is in the file list, the control unit 30 reads an
entity file of the file from the image data storage unit 46 to make
a reply (Step S32E). Conversely, if such a required file is not in
the file list, an error message such as a `File is not found.` may
be replied (Step S32F). This case may occur in a case in which a
corresponding-entity file has been deleted in accordance with an
operation on the side of the digital camera 10 or a deletion
request from other device on the network after sending the file
list in Step S32B. In such a case, the external device on the
network may obtain the update file list for the opening to public
on the network by transmitting a reference request for the file
list again to the digital camera 10.
[0079] If the access from the network is not the file read request,
it is determined whether the access is a file write request or not
(Step S32G). If the access is the file write request, the control
unit 30 stores an entity of the file in the data storage unit 46
(Step S32H). The control unit 30 then updates the file list in
relation to the relevant file (Step S32I).
[0080] If the access from the network is not the file write
request, it is determined whether or not the access is a file
deletion request for requiring deletion of a specified file (Step
S32J). If the access is the file deletion request, it is determined
whether or not the corresponding-entity file is in the image data
storage unit 46 (Step S32K). If the corresponding-entity file is
not in the storage unit 46, namely if the entity file has already
been deleted, the control unit 30 updates the file list so as to
match with a present situation (Step S24L). If the
corresponding-entity file is in the storage unit 46, the control
unit 30 deletes the entity file (Step S32M). After this, the
control unit 30 proceeds to Step S34L to update the file list.
[0081] Needless to say, the file list for the opening to the public
on the network is updated at every time when the digital camera 10
acquires an image to create a file of image data, and also at every
time when an operation from the operation unit 42 deletes a file of
unnecessary image data.
[0082] Deleting the file in response to an off operation of the
power switch 14 and newly creating the file list when the power
switch 14 is turned on is a possible approach. If the image data
storage unit 46 is configured to have a memory card, etc., which is
detachable from the main unit of the digital camera 10, as the
image data storage unit 46, replacement of the memory card makes
contents of the file list and of the storage unit 46 completely
different from each other. In this case, re-creating the file list
by turning on/off the power switch 14 enables avoiding the
occurrence of such a difference.
[0083] Of course, creating and storing the file list for each
memory card while associating with IDs, etc., of the memory cards
may be acceptable. With the creating and storing performed, there
is no need to re-create the file list for every time when the power
switch 14 is turned on/off.
[0084] As mentioned above, according to the first embodiment, if
the wire is connected to the wired connection connector 20, it is
assumed that the digital camera 10 is present indoor or in a range
in which the home (household electrical appliance) network is
available, and the wireless communication circuit unit 38 is
automatically started. The digital camera 10 then maintains a state
waiting for reception so as to enable access to the files of the
acquired image data stored in the image data storage unit 46. Thus,
the user's convenience is improved.
[0085] If the wire is not connected to the wired connection
connector 20, it is assumed that the digital camera 10 is not
present in the range in which the home network is available, and
the digital camera 10 stops the operation of the wireless
communication circuit unit 38. Thereby, since the amount of the
consumed power may be reduced, such a case may prevent the life
time of the digital camera 10 from becoming short.
Second Embodiment
[0086] Next, the second embodiment of the invention will be
described.
[0087] In recent years, a flash ROM such as a detachable SD memory
card may be used as an image data storage unit 46 of a digital
camera 10. The capacity of the flash ROM has become large at a low
cost in recent years. The flash ROM can be used not only in a
digital camera but also in various devices such as a music
reproduction device, and a PC. Therefore, in using the flash ROM as
the storage device 46 for a mobile terminal device such as a
digital camera 10, there is a possibility that not only files of
image data acquired by the user but also a various kinds of files
such as music, character information, video and a motion image are
each mixed.
[0088] Then, in the second embodiment, the mobile terminal device
restricts access from a network side to files stored in an image
data storage unit 46 by devising the file list for opening to
public on a network to be updated in foregoing Steps S32I and S32L
so as to improve user's convenience.
[0089] Therefore, the configuration and operations of the mobile
terminal device regarding the second embodiment are basically the
same as those of the configuration and operations of the mobile
terminal device regarding the first embodiment. The following will
described only the components differing from those of the first
embodiment.
[0090] It is assumed that in operation for image acquisition, after
the image data acquired by a image acquisition unit 36 is converted
into a prescribed format such as JPEG which is compliant with, for
example, a DCF standard that is a normal file system standard for a
digital camera, image acquisition device information is added to
the image data and the image data is stored in the storage unit 46.
In the embodiment, it is assumed that opening files to be released
to the public on the network are only image files which have been
acquired with the digital camera 10. Methods for identifying image
files acquired with the digital camera 10 are described as
follows.
[0091] 1) It is identified by means of metadata such as an
exchangeable image file format (Exif). For instance, since the Exif
data which is compliant with an Exif standard that is a normal file
format standard for a digital camera includes image acquisition
device information, the method utilizes this information. Not only
the Exif data but also metadata differing from the Exif data may be
embedded at a part of an image data file.
[0092] 2) In storing the acquired image data in the storage unit
46, the image data is stored in a specified folder to make it
possible to access only the data stored in the specified folder
from the network. Further, image data which has been acquired with
the same type of image acquisition devices as that of the digital
camera may be omitted by naming the specified folders for each
camera. A method for embedding individual camera information into
this folder name is an example, and any method, for example, a
method for setting another associated storage area can be used as
long as the folder is associated with the individual camera
information.
[0093] In the digital camera 10 of the second embodiment of the
mobile terminal device regarding the invention, in a file list
creation subroutine to be called in the foregoing Step S24, as
shown in FIG. 6, at first, the digital camera 10 creates an empty
file list for opening to the public on a network on the ROM 32
(Step S24A).
[0094] Then, the digital camera 10 retrieves an entity file in the
storage device 46 (Step S24B). Here, it is determined whether or
not the retrieved entity file is a file in a shared folder, namely
in an open folder (Step S24C). If the entity file is the file in
the shared (open) folder, the file is registered in the created
file list (Step S24D).
[0095] As mentioned above, the memory card as the storage unit 46
may be shared with a terminal such as a music player. As shown in
FIG. 7A, image data, other than image data (e.g., of a file name
`A***.jpg`[*** is optional]) acquired with the digital camera 10,
such as music data (e.g., of a file name `***.Mp3`) may be stored
in the memory card. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the
entity file is a file in a prescribed specific shared (open) folder
(e.g., a `Photo` folder), and if it is so, the entity file is
registered in the file list as shown in FIG. 7B.
[0096] In the foregoing Step S24C, if it has been determined that
the entity file is not a file in the shared (open) folder, further,
it is determined whether the image acquisition device information
of the retrieved entity file coincides with the device information
of the digital camera 10 (Step S24E). If both the information
coincides with each other, the subroutine proceeds to Step 24D
given above to register the entity file in the file list for the
opening.
[0097] In other words, even if the entity file is not a file in the
predetermined specific shared (open) folder [`Photo` folder], the
entity file may be a file of the image data, which has acquired
with the digital camera 10, like a file of a name `A010.jpg` stored
in a `Root` folder of FIG. 7A. If the entity data is an image data
like this, the entity file is registered in the file list as shown
in FIG. 7B. Since the file, which is created by other device does
not coincide with the device information of the digital camera 10
as shown in FIG. 7A as a file name `M010.jpg`, the files created by
other devices is not register in the file for opening as shown in
FIG. 7B.
[0098] It is determined whether or not all the entity files stored
in the storage unit 46 have been retrieved (Step S24F). If all the
entity files have not been retrieved yet, the subroutine returns to
Step 24B. Thereby, all the entity files stored in the storage unit
46 are applied the operations in Steps S24B-S24E.
[0099] After retrieving all the entity files stored in the storage
unit 46, the control unit 30 ends this file list creation
subroutine to return to the host routine.
[0100] In the update of file list subroutine to be called in Step
S32I or S32L, firstly, the entity file in the storage unit 46 is
retrieved as shown in FIG. 8 (step S100). Here, it is determined
whether the retrieved entity file is a file in the shared (open)
folder or not (Step S102). If the entity file is in the shared
(open) folder, furthermore, it is determined whether the entity
file has already been registered in the file list or not (Step
S104). If the file has not been registered yet, the retrieved
entity file is registered (Step S106).
[0101] In Step S102, if it is determined that the entity file is
not in the shared (open) folder, further, it is determined whether
or not the image acquisition device information of the retrieved
entity file coincides with the device information of the digital
camera 10 (Step S108). If they coincide with each other, the
subroutine proceeds to Step S104 to confirm whether the entity file
has not been registered, and the file has not been registered, the
control unit 30 registers it in the file list.
[0102] The control unit 30 determines whether or not all the entity
files stored in the storage unit 46 have been retrieved (Step
S110). If all the entity files have not been retrieved yet, the
control unit 30 returns to Step S100 then performs operations in
Steps S100-S108 given above for all the entity files stored in the
image data storage unit 46.
[0103] Thus, retrieving all the entity files stored in the storage
unit 46 enables additionally registering the entity files not
registered yet in the file list.
[0104] After this, the update subroutine proceeds to processing for
deleting the files which have been registered in the file list but
their entity files have been deleted from the file list.
[0105] In other words, the control unit 30 retrieves the file on
the file list (Step S112), and confirms whether or not the
retrieved file is present as entity file in the image data storage
unit 46 (Step S114). If the corresponding-entity file is not
present therein, the relevant file is deleted from the file list
for the opening (Step S116).
[0106] It is determined whether all the files registered in the
file list for the opening have already been retrieved or not (Step
S118). If all the entity files have not been retrieved yet, the
control unit 30 returns to Step S112 then performs the operations
in Step S112-S116 given above to all the files registered in the
file list for the opening. After the performances have been done to
all the files, the control unit 30 ends this update of file list
subroutine to return to the host routine.
[0107] As mentioned above, on the second embodiment, the side of
the digital camera 10 includes a function of restricting access any
image data other than ones acquired with the digital camera 10 in
accessing from the network. Thereby, the data which is accessible
from the network side is reduced and the mobile terminal device may
simply select the data to be referred from the network side.
[0108] That is, if the digital camera 10 is used as a camera in a
general way, the mobile terminal device focuses attention to that
the user extremely desires to watch the images acquired with the
digital camera 10, and makes it possible to externally access only
the image files acquired with the digital camera 10 in accessing
from the network side. Thereby, the mobile terminal device can
reduce the number of files which are visible from the network side
and quickly find the desired file.
[0109] Further, in a case in which access from outside to the
copyrighted files is allowed, the portable terminal device has to
cope with various copyright protection functions. However, the
mounting of these functions are complicated and results in an
increase in a product cost. Therefore, it is a merit to simply
select and eliminate files to be copyrighted and to make it
impossible to access the files. However, copyright protection
functions develops day by day, and there is a need to revise a
selection method in accordance with the development of the
protection functions for reading and selecting characteristics of
the copyrighted files. In the second embodiment, the mobile
terminal device may limit accessible filed to only data which does
not produce any problem (with low possibility of occurring
copyright problem). Then, the mobile terminal device can simply
select to eliminate the data to be copyrighted; this is preferable
for a beginner.
[0110] While in FIGS. 6 and 8, the embodiment have described in a
form in which the foregoing two identification methods are realized
as an identification method of files to be opened, of course, only
either method can be used. For instance, if it is intended to open
only the files in the shared (open) folder, the mobile terminal
device becomes also able to access files without any problem on
copyright such as music files and text files created by the user of
the digital camera's user from the network.
[0111] While the invention has described on the basis of the
aforementioned embodiments, the invention is not limited to the
aforementioned embodiments, it is needless to say that this
invention may be embodied in various forms without departing from
the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept thereof.
[0112] For instance, while the first and the second embodiments
have described the cases in which if the cables are connected to
the wired connection connector 20, the control unit 30 starts the
wireless communication circuit units 38 to make the network
communication wirelessly regardless the possibilities of the
network communication by the wired communication circuit unit 54.
However, it is needless to say that an environment, in which
wireless communication and wired communication coexist therein, may
be established, and also may switchover to the wired connection in
the case where wireless network connection is not established.
[0113] In connecting to the network through the wired communication
circuit unit 54, the portable terminal device may perform the same
access restriction as that of the second embodiment.
[0114] Or in the access from the outside is not always restricted,
as regards the wired communication, the mobile terminal device
indirectly connects to the network through the PC by means of a USB
connection. Namely, the wired connection is not directly connected
to the network. Conversely, if the wireless connection is directly
connected to the network, only in the case of the wireless
connection, the access restriction is performed. Thereby, only the
image data may be viewed in referring from the network, and when
content is viewed by means of the PC, all the files can be referred
and the portable terminal device becomes more convenient.
[0115] While the wireless communication circuit unit 38 is turned
on in wired connection, if the power is not supplied from the
external power source, it is preferable to check the remaining
capacity of the battery, and not to turn on the circuit unit 38 if
the remaining capacity is not high. However, if the power supply
can be performed through the wired connection like the USB
connection, the restriction for the circuit unit 38 is not limited
as given above.
[0116] In general, to supply the power by means of the power switch
14, the power is supplied to each functional unit from the power
source circuit 48. However, when the wired connection is detected
to turn on the wireless communication circuit 38, it is not needed
to supply the power to all the units the inside of the digital
camera 10. In this case, it is enough to supply the power only to
the units (e.g., only to the wireless communication circuit unit
38, the control unit 30, the image data storage unit 46, etc.)
which are required for the wireless connection and the access to
the inner data.
[0117] While the aforementioned embodiments have described by
taking the digital camera 10 as examples, the invention may be
applicable to other mobile terminal device such as a mobile
information terminal (PDA), a music reproduction device with a
wireless function. As regards a part which is derived from the
acquired image data can be applicable not only to the digital
camera 10 but also to other mobile terminal device with an image
acquisition function such as a cellular phone with a camera and a
PDA with a camera.
[0118] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur
to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its
broader aspects is not limited to the specific details,
representative devices, and illustrated examples shown and
described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made
without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive
concept as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *